Yesterday: trail nero, today: town nero and tomorrow: zero.

Day 20

We slept surprisingly well in the chilly damp night which also kept the mosquitos away.  We used more of our heavy layers to stay warm and were surprised to wake up at 8am with the sun streaming down. We enjoyed morning coffee with a clear view of South Horn Mountain and very surprised to have had the lean-to all to ourselves again. We took our time packing up knowing we only had 5 miles into town where we were planning to get picked up by a friend. We sat by Horn Pond and took in the beautiful views one last time. We made our way down to the road, coming across NOBOs, a flip-flopper named Maui and various day hikers. We moved quickly, the call of town in the form of the distant rumble of cars egged us on.

At the road, shortly after starting to walk the nearly 3 miles to the store, a local resident called out and asked if we wanted a ride.  We gratefully accept the offer and jumped in the bed of the truck, which also happened to include a comfy rocking chair.  We smiled feeling the wind wiping through our hair and at our luck in not having to walk the extra miles. We passed Sugarloaf Resort where a line of cars were turning in for a mountain biking event. We reached the small grocery store and thanked the trail angel who gave us the ride. We picked up some lunch (including a pint of Ben and Jerry’s: Milk and Cookies) and sat down in the grass to enjoy.  We noticed the Carrabassett Valley Library and Community Center was right next door and couldn’t believe our luck as we had a few hours to wait before our friend arrived. We spent the time updating the blog, reading books and doing a resupply back at the grocer.

In what felt like no time at all our friend arrived to get us and bring us back to his place. He graciously suffered through the long smelly car ride. We enjoyed good company along with homemade spaghetti and meatball dinner.  Easily our best meal on trail! We will take a day off and enjoy the creature comforts before getting back on trail. We are already making a plan to dodge some rain and enjoy the upcoming Staddlebacks!

 

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Comments 1

  • tasmaine : Jul 18th

    I just came across your blog and binged on all your posts. I love the photos that you put in – it reminds me of special times I’ve spent on the trail. I, too have thoroughly enjoyed the Bigelows – even when the weather is not the best. Looking forward to your trip report across Saddleback and beyond. Even though it may feel that you don’t have many followers (yet), I’m certain that there are many that have simply not posted. Enjoy your trek! I know I will be following your SOBO adventure!

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